a blossom knits

Back around 1998, I was searching for something . . . something to fulfill my life. I was in the middle of my Bachelor's degree program at SUNY at Buffalo. I felt like every day was just reading, studying, preparing for a test/exam, then finding out my grade. This never ending mini-rollercoaster of days. I think what made it so difficult was the fact that I was back at school as an "older" student . . but my classmates were all 19 and 20 years old. I felt lost. Then, one day while surfing the internet when I had some down time . . . I came across a forum for soap makers. I was hooked from Day 1. It was like little chemistry experiments I could do in my kitchen!! I'd have such wonderful and lovely little items when I was done . . . something to show for my hard work!!

My tome at that time was Susan Miller Cavitch's The Soapmaker's Companion. To this day, it is the bible of all soap making. The book a soap maker should not be without.

I have been reminded these last couple of days of my soap making. How I made it into more than just a hobby . . how happy it made me. Just like how knitting is making me feel now. Thanks to another Leslie . . I have a new friend and a renewed interest in what I left behind when I moved away from home.

I looked tonight to see if there has been a newer edition of the book. I should have known . . . it's stood the test of time. However, Ms. Cavitch has a new book out entitled The Deliberate Home. I will definitely buy it.

And . . . I think I might make some soap soon. :)